EU Competitiveness Needs Innovation, Slovenia Declares at Excellence Event
Our member organisation in Slovenia, the Managers’ Association of Slovenia (MAS) held its prestigious January Gathering on January 22, 2025, at the Grand Hotel Union in Ljubljana.
The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to chart a path forward for Slovenia’s economic growth and prosperity.
Economic Ambitions for Slovenia
In their opening remarks, MAS Executive Director Petra Juvančič and President Iztok Seljak emphasized the need for ambition, collaboration, and resilience in the face of global challenges.
Managers and leaders can work together with policymakers and create an environment that fosters EU competitiveness through innovation.
Petra Juvančič
MAS Executive
Seljak outlined a vision to achieve 5% annual GDP growth, double the value added per employee within five years, and secure a higher standard of living for all citizens.
He stressed the importance of focusing on industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and space technologies to drive this transformation.
Juvančič highlighted key challenges facing the Slovenian economy, including bureaucracy, tax policy, and demographic issues such as declining birth rates. She urged businesses and policymakers to work together to create an environment that fosters innovation and competitiveness.
Capital Market Development Key to Growth
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Klemen Boštjančič underscored the potential of the capital market to catalyze economic breakthroughs. By fostering cooperation between the private and public sectors, Boštjančič argued.
Slovenia can secure the funds necessary to support advancements across various industries, ensuring a more dynamic and innovative economy.
Klemen Boštjančič
Slovenia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
CEC European Managers member MAS in Slovenia is leading the ongoing initiative “Endeavor: Us today. Us tomorrow. Us together.” This initiative aims to galvanize business, political, and societal leaders toward a shared goal of greater prosperity.
Launched in 2023, the initiative involves nearly 200 members across 25 groups, demonstrating the country’s capacity for unity and progress. The book Stories for Courage and Inspiration compiles inspiring stories from Slovenian leaders, showcasing lessons and achievements from various sectors.
Klemen Boštjančič, Slovenia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Honoring Managerial Excellence
This year’s gathering celebrated standout leaders who exemplify the values and goals of MAS.
Franjo Bobinac received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions to management, both domestically and internationally.
Bobinac’s career highlights include leading Gorenje to new heights of revenue and market share, securing strategic partnerships, and fostering multicultural leadership. As President of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, he continues to advocate for innovation and excellence.
Bobinac used his acceptance speech to call for greater collaboration between all sectors of society, urging unity across political, generational, and institutional divides to position Slovenia among the world’s leading economies.
We need to be even faster, better, and more collaborative
Franjo Bobinac
MAS Lifetime Achivement Award
The Young Manager of 2024 title was awarded to Samo Kumar, the 33-year-old General Manager of IBM Slovenia. Kumar’s leadership style—marked by openness, empathy, and strategic thinking—has driven the multinational’s success in the Slovenian market.
Upon receiving the award, he emphasized the importance of trusting and empowering young talent in shaping the future of business in Slovenia.
Six exceptional women leaders were honored with the 2024 Artemis Award for their outstanding contributions to their organisations and breaking through the glass ceiling.
The recipients—Maja Brelih Lotrič, Maja Strnad Cestar, Melita Rajgelj Ozebek, Meta Lahne, Saška Rihtaršič, and Tatjana Vogrinec Burgar—were celebrated for their leadership and impact in creating added value across diverse industries.
A Platform for Progress
The January Gathering reaffirmed MAS’s role as a vital platform for dialogue and action, setting ambitious goals for Slovenia’s future. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and collaboration, the association seeks to position Slovenia as a global leader in economic performance and quality of life.
